Suggested Sides

 Risotto

DoveTailing Tips

Risotto is one of the most decadent dishes in Italian cuisine, and this time we have it with a simple sauteed chicken breast and a mushroom sauce. If you don't have the time to make a risotto (about 30 minutes of cooking time + 10 prep) you can serve it with a rice pilaf or even a plain white rice)

If you buy a whole chicken, you can repare for a couple of meals in advance! Use the breasts for this meal, and set aside the thighs (and legs) for the Braised Chicken meal. If you don't feel confident butchering your own whole chicken, just ask the butcher to do it for you.

Prepare and set aside enough mushrooms for Meal 3's "Mushroom Burgers". —Chef Mike

Suggested Sides

 Mashed Potatoes

DoveTailing Tips

Use the chicken legs and thighs you set aside from Meal 1.

Save time later this week: while preparing your mashed potatoes, prepare and set aside the sliced potatoes needed for Meal 4's "Sautéed Potatoes" side dish. —Chef Mike

Suggested Dessert

 No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

DoveTailing Tips

This is a favorite recipe of mine when I feel like making a nice burger, but don't want to go out. If you don't feel up to building the flavors in this recipe, make your own favorite kind of burger to celebrate the impending arrival of spring. We paired it with a really simple (no-bake!) dessert so you can spend a little bit more time dressing up this American staple. —Chef Mike

Suggested Sides

 Sautéed Potatoes

DoveTailing Tips

This is a lighter meal and one that can be done on a busier day this week.

If you set aside sliced potatoes during Meal 2's preparation, use them for today's side dish. —Chef Mike

Suggested Dessert

 Blondies

DoveTailing Tips

Another time-saver this week—and if you are trying to do get a lot of cooking done in advance, you can make the au jus in advance and then warm it up the night you need it. Be sure to retaste and adjust seasoning if necessary whenever you reheat leftovers or premade meals! —Chef Mike